Penguins News

Atlantic: Pens Best At Deadline?

Pittsburgh -- The Penguins may have made the biggest gains around the deadline. GM Ray Shero had been looking for linemates to play with Sidney Crosby, and it seems like he finally found them.

A week before the deadline, the Pens acquired left wing Chris Kunitz from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for defenseman Ryan Whitney. So far, the deal looks like a bank heist for the Pens. Kunitz had 3 goals and 2 assists in his first three games with the Pens, and that was before Crosby returned to the lineup.

A half-hour before the deadline, Shero dealt a conditional 2009 draft pick to the Islanders for Bill Guerin. Despite being 38, Guerin still can get up and down the ice. He plays a similar style as Ryan Malone, who flanked Crosby so successfully last season.

"I'm looking forward to playing the up-tempo style," Guerin told Penguins.com. "I can still skate at my age, but I'm not going to change my style. My biggest asset is going to the net. With the puck handlers that we have, I'm a guy that will go to the net and open up room for them. I have certain talents and other guys have certain talents. I like being in front of the net and in the slot."

Guerin had the primary assist on Crosby's goal Friday against the Panthers, and added 1 goal and 2 assists in the Pens' 4-3 shootout defeat of the Capitals Sunday. Guerin and Kunitz drew assists on Crosby's first-period goal.

"Both (Guerin) and Kunitz did a great job," Crosby told reporters Friday night. "We're still learning from each other. I think we can still create more. Hopefully, there's some chemistry there."